A network configuration method includes: obtaining, by a first application of a mobile device, label information of an internet of things device to be network-configured; obtaining, by the first application, information about a second application that is for configuring a network for the internet of things device; sending, by the first application, a first message to a first service of the mobile device, wherein the first message indicates to start the first service and comprises the information about the second application; discovering, by the first service, the internet of things device to be network-configured; sending, by the first service, a second message to a second service of the mobile device, wherein the second message indicates to start the second application and comprises the information about the second application; and starting, by the second service, the second application based on the second message.